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HUGHESTOWN — Borough officials used Monday night’s council meeting to discuss what steps might now be taken to alleviate gunfire on a private property off Parsonage Street.

For the last several years, residents near the area have complained that shots routinely fired from a makeshift gun range on a private residence in the area have upset the public peace.

The problem has always been framed as one of property rights. Hughestown officials have repeatedly stated that, while they oppose the activities, the property owner has the right to allow guests to fire guns on his property so long as property and lives are not threatened.

Further complicating matters has been the fact that the property was frequently used by police officers from Hughestown and neighboring boroughs. Hughestown, for its part, has asked its officers not to use the property in the wake of the many complaints.

In August of this year, officials announced that the person maintaining the property, Ken Nowakowski, will attempt to reduce the hours in which guns are fired. Officials also stated that Nowakowski promised to furnish them with a list of persons authorized to fire guns on the property so that trespassers can more easily be distinguished.

While residents stated that gunfire has lessened, the say it is still happening at an unacceptable level. Additionally, the promised list never materialized.

After being pressed for action, Hughestown Mayor Wayne Quick Jr. said, “We are looking toward other avenues (for a solution), but I cannot say what those avenues are.”

Nowakowski, although regularly mentioned at meetings, has yet to attend any. Calls placed to Nowakowski were not returned.

The issue will almost certainly be revisited during Hughestown’s next meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9.

by B. Garret Rogan

For Times Leader

The Times Leader newsroom may be reached at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.